Microplastic Pollution from the Textile Industry and the Challenges of Fast Fashion
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
Microplastic pollution does not only originate from single-use plastic waste but also from the textile industry, which is largely dominated by synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. Around 60 percent of global clothing is made from synthetic fibers, significantly contributing to environmental pollution, including approximately 35 percent of microplastics in the ocean. These microplastics have been detected not only in the environment but also in the human body, such as in blood and amniotic fluid, raising serious health concerns. Therefore, the public is encouraged to reduce the consumption of new synthetic clothing and adopt more sustainable usage patterns to mitigate the impacts of fast fashion.
On the other hand, textile waste management is becoming increasingly complex with the policy allowing imports of shredded second-hand clothing from abroad, including from the United States, for recycling purposes. Although intended to support a circular economy, this policy has sparked controversy due to the limited domestic waste management capacity. Indonesia generates millions of tons of textile waste annually, yet the recycling rate remains low. This situation highlights the urgent need to strengthen the national textile waste management system to avoid increasing environmental burdens while maximizing the economic benefits of the recycling industry.
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